Existing comment:
Joseph Henry, scientist and first Secretary of the Smithsonian (1797-1878), 1850s:
Daguerreotype by J.H. Whitehurst, New York, National Museum of American History:
Henry led the Institution from its creation in 1846 until his death in 1878. During the Civil War years, Henry worked to keep the Smithsonian in operation, including his scientific research laboratories. In April 1861, he took delivery of muskets and ammunition at the Castle to defend the Institution. |